Registration Open for UnConference: Beyond the Playground: Advancing Racial Equity in Play

Registration is now open for UnConference: Beyond the Playground: Advancing Racial Equity in Play.

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Trying Together - in partnership with the P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education) Program, Hatch Partners in Play, and Playful Pittsburgh - will host the event on Monday, October 14 at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Participants will attend expert-led sessions that focus on the value and necessity of play; the benefits of play-based learning and how to track school and state policies that impact children’s play experiences; play, race, identity, and the arts; and the importance of risky play activities such as climbing and balancing.

Keynote Speakers and Workshops

This year’s UnConference will include two keynote addresses. Dr. Denisha Jones will present “Play as Liberatory Early Childhood Pedagogy” in the morning. The afternoon address will be “The Healing Power of Play and Optimism” by Antony (Ant) Toombs, of the Life is Good Playmaker Project.

There will be two rounds of workshop sessions after the keynote speakers. PQAS and Act 48 credit hours will be available. Registration is required. Upon registration, attendees will be asked to select one workshop session from each timeframe. 

Workshops include:

  • A session on the Playlab Framework that has been implemented in several public school classrooms in the region

  • A dialogue-based workshop inspired by the playful engagement typical of a Parent LAB PLAY DAY

  • A workshop exploring play equity and access in schools and communities

  • A session exploring the critical role of risky play in early childhood education, highlighting its significance in fostering children’s physical, emotion, and cognitive development

  • A session featuring P.R.I.D.E. artists as they share interactive themed art activities for early childhood-aged children 

Lunch will be served and attendees will have the opportunity to network with colleagues.

More Details

Free valet parking will be available for participants. Phipps is accessible via Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses and POGOH, Pittsburgh’s bikeshare program.

Some sessions will be held outdoors, so it’s recommended that participants wear layers and comfortable footwear. Some walking is required between sessions. Participants should note needed accommodations during registration and a Trying Together representative will reach out.

Tickets for the UnConference are $25. Space is limited, so those interested in attending should register by Sept. 30.

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